BMW 5 Series

Well Ive always driven Holden's and HSV's (still have a Monaro and Maloo locked up in the garage) but due to the 2013 GM decision to stop making cars in Australia I briefly switched my daily drive to a Jeep Grand Cherokee which was actually not a bad car, but after driving German rental cars on holidays I decided to switch to something with more luxury and punch, and boy does the 535i satisfy!
I was looking at the 528i which was a nice drive but I was talked into taking the 535i for a test drive and the decision was made. The turbo 6 is obvio...Read more

What do you get when you pair a 5 series with a V8 twin turbo engine, near bliss.

Often I'll drive below the speed limit, in order to enjoy the car, for me that says something.

Our F10 550i has been a treat and the overall package is very slick with a magic carpet ride experience.
We purchased ours out of factory warranty. The major depreciation had taken place and the low km's with as new presentation made it an easy decision.
No regrets.

What we enjoy.
Ultra smooth drive. ...Read more

The build quality on this car is superb, the doors have a heavy solid feel when being closed. It is an excellent car for long distance freeway driving as the seats are comfortable, the interior is quiet and the car feels very stable on the road. The car had problems with it's cooling system when I purchased it. I replaced the radiator, water pump and thermostat .It has never had any problems after that. The total costs for these parts was about $600 and I fitted them on myself. The car is easy to work on as there is plenty of space under the bo...Read more

While you may like sports cars or convertibles or SUV's more - I think it would be difficult to find a better overall sedan than the 535d.

Good size to fit five adults, and decent boot for luggage.

Lots of features and accessories - head up display! - how good is this? - shows your speed, sat nav directions without having to look down.

3 litre turbo diesel will have you fooled its a petol car - smooth, silent and it goes. It goes like a train and just keeps going. Effortless driving, overtaking everything.

Fuel consumption - what fuel consumption - average 7.2 l per 100km and 5.5 on open road cruising at 110kmh.
Would have a range over 1200 km on a tank. ...Read more

Mine are 2000 models so they have the double Vanos and aluminium engine block.
Superb, one has done 70,000 km and the other 175,000 km.
BMW cars this age you need to pay attention to plastic fittings in Radiator region. They become brittle with age, especially radiators, thermostat covers and overflow bottles hose ends also.
I love driving them and still turn heads even though a few years old.
E 39's are for me . Look after them and they will look after you. Very reliable motors and good value for money.
I paid a small fraction of their or...Read more

When the E39 5 Series was new, one car expert commented that BMW's rivals should stop making their own midsize sedans and just copy it. This car is a joy to drive. It's just the right size, so it offers great space for passengers and luggage without being cumbersome. The engine is a sweet motor, very smooth yet sounds nice when driven hard. The suspension is the ultimate compromise between ride and handling. It absorbs the typically rough, bumpy Australian roads with ease. But it corners very nicely in spite of that, really great fun in twisty ...Read more

Buy one. If it has a full service history, especially if its been serviced buy a independent euro specialist, buy it! Check for weathering of paint & seals as a good indicator of how well its been looked after.
535i M Sport. There is nothing about my 535 that I don't like. I'm a car enthusiast, have owned a bonanza of Japanese sports cars, and not one gave me anywhere near the motoring pleasure that BMW's little know 535i 3.5L V8 sedan has bestow upon me. Great economy on the highway (8.5L/100) and around 12's around town, absolutely no ro...Read more